Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 179

Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions can exempt from death?

Ye Jiao was slightly stunned, then remembered what Empress Meng had said to her in a hoarse voice while lying on the bed:

"Jiao Niang treats me well, and I will certainly treat you well in the future, protecting your descendants, this resolve will not change."

At the time she had taken Hui Niang's words as jest, but now, an object that truly protected descendants had arrived.

But Ye Jiao could also hear how precious this thing was, so she understood why Qi Yun had people bring an incense table.

Qi Yun called Little Su over: "Go tell Nanny Mo to watch the three children carefully, and Little Shi Tou too. Tell them we'll be leaving later, have them stay in their rooms for now and not go to the front hall."

Even though Qi Yun hadn't received the imperial edict yet, he knew that receiving an edict required kneeling for quite a while.

Since this edict wouldn't be issued to several small children anyway, taking them would only cause trouble. Better to leave them in their rooms to avoid fatigue.

The little ones could hide, but he and Ye Jiao couldn't.

Qi Yun looked down at Ye Jiao, kissed her forehead lightly, and said softly: "Come, let me arrange your hair."

Ye Jiao touched her hair bun and realized that earlier, thinking about riding in the carriage, she had just casually pinned it up. Now that this was an important matter, her hair naturally couldn't be done carelessly.

So Little Ginseng released Qi Yun and ran to sit properly before the dressing mirror.

Seeing her nervous, Qi Yun couldn't help but smile. While arranging her hair, he said: "Wife needn't worry. You've met both the Emperor and Empress. Now it's just receiving something they're giving you. Relax."

Ye Jiao looked at Qi Yun: "I'm not nervous."

Qi Yun was reaching for hairpins. Hearing this, he asked: "Then what is wife thinking about?"

"I'm just wondering what kind of object can exempt from death."

Back when she was still a little ginseng spirit, she had seen a little fox break off its tail to save a scholar's life. At that time, Little Ginseng had thought such life-saving things were precious. Now an iron trinket could exempt from death. Wouldn't that be even more useful than the little fox's tail?

Qi Yun smiled and took hairpins to pin her hair properly, examined it, and said: "Done."

Ye Jiao didn't look in the mirror. She trusted Qi Yun completely and didn't think there was anything odd about a man being skilled at applying makeup and arranging hair for his wife.

They both enjoyed it, that was all.

After tidying her own clothes and using a brush to dust off Qi Yun, they walked hand in hand toward the front hall.

As soon as they reached the front hall, they saw a smiling eunuch holding an imperial edict. Seeing them enter, the eunuch stepped forward and smiled: "Young Master Qi, this servant congratulates you."

Qi Yun returned the bow, glanced at the object covered with red cloth, then withdrew his gaze and only said: "May I ask how to address you, Eunuch?"

"This servant's surname is Du, given name An. Young Master Qi may call me Little Du."

But Qi Yun smiled: "Eunuch Du is too kind. Thank you for waiting, Eunuch Du. How about some tea to rest before we proceed?"

Hearing Qi Yun's words, Du An's smile became more genuine.

Actually, Du An had never been so polite to others. Even those third and fourth rank officials would be respectful when seeing Du An, the head eunuch. No one had ever seen Du An deliberately give anyone a good face.

But the Qi couple was different.

Yesterday when Empress Meng gave birth, Du An had stayed by Chu Chengyun's side, personally witnessing Qi Yun's arrival and departure. He also knew that Second Young Master Qi's wife had awakened Empress Meng, allowing the Empress to give birth smoothly. This was a great merit and extremely rare.

To speak irreverently, these two had shown kindness to the Emperor yet didn't exploit that kindness for rewards. Very rare indeed. Though Du An didn't know about the connection between the Qi family and Chu Chengyun when he was a prince, just from this incident, he knew the Qi family was favored by the Emperor and had unlimited prospects.

He had given Qi Yun face, and Qi Yun had given him respect in return. That was enough.

Du An's beardless, pale face carried a smile as he said to Qi Yun and Ye Jiao: "Since the incense table is already set, please receive the edict."

Tie Zi had prepared cushions early. The two knelt down, with servants and maids outside also kneeling.

Du An restrained his smile, unrolled the yellow silk in his hands, and read aloud.

The beginning mostly spoke of the Qi family's merit in managing their household, though being a merchant family they were courteous and tolerant, helpful to the Crown Prince, and so on, using four-character phrases all strung together. Little Ginseng only caught the general meaning.

Only the last sentence did Ye Jiao hear clearly.

"Specially bestowed Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions. Except for treason and rebellion, you are pardoned nine deaths, your descendants three deaths. Should you commit ordinary crimes, officials may not add punishment."

Ye Jiao couldn't help but turn to look at Qi Yun beside her.

Husband had indeed been right. It really was Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions, and really could exempt from death.

Even though Little Ginseng was halfway through learning to be human, after so long, Ye Jiao naturally understood the benefits of this thing.

Qi Yun slightly closed his eyes.

Though he knew Chu Chengyun would certainly give some reward, according to Second Young Master Qi's guess, it would be like before, giving a gold lock or jade pendant or similar things as vague tokens.

Though those could serve as life-saving talismans, they could be acknowledged or not.

As long as Chu Chengyun was unhappy, he could deny ever giving them, and no one could do anything about it.

Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions were different. This thing went through official channels, clearly written in black and white on the imperial edict. Even if Chu Chengyun wanted to deny it, he had no opportunity.

Moreover, in this dynasty, people who could have Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions could be counted on one hand. This time the Qi family would truly become famous.

But thinking about things didn't prevent Qi Yun from kowtowing to thank the Emperor and receiving the edict. After taking the imperial edict in his hands, he turned to look at the Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions. Ye Jiao also looked over, Little Ginseng appearing particularly curious.

The iron certificate was shaped like roof tiles, with inscriptions inlaid in gold. Sunlight shining in made it gleam brilliantly and dazzlingly.

Qi Yun had people take the Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions to be enshrined. This kind of openly bestowed object couldn't be like the previous things, casually stuffed into some hidden compartment. Instead, it needed to be placed in a location with good feng shui and offered incense.

Du An just smiled: "His Majesty heard that Young Master Qi was returning home and specially bestowed these things. They'll be sent directly to Ten Li Pavilion later, with General Ye's people escorting. The journey should be very safe."

Hearing this, Qi Yun knew Chu Chengyun was using the pretext of rewards to assign people to escort them home.

Since the waterways were now impassable and they could only take carriages, they'd have to pass through many forests along the way. Though Qi Yun had brought guards, they were far less reliable than these people. Qi Yun said: "Thank you, Eunuch."

Du An smiled and repeatedly said he dared not.

Ye Jiao, who hadn't spoken, reached out to tug Qi Yun's sleeve. Qi Yun turned to look at her and heard Ye Jiao say: "Husband, may I ask about Hui Niang's health?"

Ye Jiao wasn't someone who didn't know her place. With familiar people, she was naturally very open, but she didn't know this Eunuch Du An and wasn't comfortable asking directly, so she asked Qi Yun first.

Du An stood close and could hear Ye Jiao's words. In his heart he marveled that this Mrs. Qi truly had ability, able to call the Empress by her given name. On his face he smiled cheerfully, and without needing Qi Yun to say anything, Du An spoke first: "Mrs. Qi, rest assured. Her Majesty the Empress is in excellent health. The imperial physicians say with good care, her health will be better than before. The Crown Prince is also healthy. Now mother and child are safe, truly a blessing for the court."

Ye Jiao blinked. Whether it was a blessing for the court she didn't know, but since Hui Niang and her child were both well, Ye Jiao felt much more at ease.

She had no other curiosities, just walked over to look at those iron certificates. Having never seen them before, getting one now naturally felt fresh.

Qi Yun let her look. Looking at this thing wouldn't break it, but he needed to be more careful with Du An.

It was always said that the King of Hell was easy to meet but little devils hard to deal with. Being more cautious never hurt.

He wanted to keep Du An for tea, but Du An didn't stay long. After seeing the Qi family arrange the Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions properly, he left with his people to return to the palace and report.

Chu Chengyun was now crouching beside the cradle, smiling as he looked at his Crown Prince, his mouth unable to close.

Ye Ping Rong wanted to bring him a chair, but he wouldn't sit, just concentrated on staring at the child.

Seeing Du An return, Chu Chengyun didn't get up but asked while crouching: "What did Second Young Master say?"

Since the Emperor was crouching, Du An couldn't stand either, so he knelt directly on the ground: "Replying to Your Majesty, Young Master Qi was naturally extremely pleased, enshrined the Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions, and asked about Her Majesty the Empress and His Highness the Crown Prince's health. This old servant followed Your Majesty's instructions and told him everything."

Chu Chengyun nodded. Only then did Du An stand and carefully retreat to the side.

Ye Ping Rong had remained silent, standing straight, but his eyes unconsciously kept looking at the little one in the cradle.

This child was Chu Chengyun's first child. In a while, when he reached his first month, he would become Crown Prince.

As for his name, when Empress Meng was slightly conscious, Chu Chengyun had eagerly run over to discuss it. They quickly decided to name him Chu Jingming.

Since Empress Meng was exhausted from childbirth, awake little and asleep much, and the imperial physicians said she needed quiet rest and to avoid wind, and it was now deep winter, Chu Chengyun couldn't keep going in and out of the Empress's inner palace to avoid bringing in cold wind. He could only endure his longing and just talk through the door from outside.

He could only look at this child for half an hour while he slept. Chu Chengyun naturally treasured this time.

Honestly speaking, little Jingming hadn't reached full term when born, was red and wrinkled all over, and couldn't be called very good-looking. But his tightly closed eyes were narrow, his nose was prominent, and just from appearance he resembled Chu Chengyun seven parts.

Ye Ping Rong particularly loved looking at him, not because of his appearance, but because Huaning was also carrying a child. Elder Brother Ye was now very much looking forward to the day he could be a father too, and felt especially loving toward other children.

The Crown Prince in the cradle looked so small, sleeping all curled up, somehow conveying grievance. Ye Ping Rong naturally felt more pity in his heart.

If he felt this way, Chu Chengyun treasured this child like a jewel even more.

Now Chu Chengyun was talking to the little baby: "Sleep well, sleep more so you can grow well. Your mother used great effort giving birth to you, so you mustn't make her angry in the future. As for me, we'll discuss that later. I suppose you wouldn't dare anyway."

Little Jingming was completely indifferent to the noise his imperial father was making, sleeping very soundly, occasionally pursing his little mouth, looking quite well-behaved.

Chu Chengyun felt his heart itch watching. Previously when holding Xu Bao, he had particularly liked pinching Xu Bao's chubby cheeks. Now he wanted to touch his own son's face too, but before reaching out he pulled back, as if afraid of damaging him. After hesitating a while, he only lightly touched through the blanket.

Only when his legs went numb from crouching did Chu Chengyun stand up, having palace servants watch the Crown Prince carefully. He also had Du An guard outside, then took Ye Ping Rong to a side hall.

As soon as they entered, Chu Chengyun asked: "Where have those people reached?"

Ye Ping Rong had always stayed by Chu Chengyun's side and understood his thoughts extremely well. He immediately replied: "The deposed princes have each reached their fiefdoms. Local officials haven't gone to pay respects yet."

Chu Chengyun nodded, sat in the upper seat, and remained silent for a long time.

Ye Ping Rong didn't dare speak either, but he knew his master wouldn't easily let those two deposed prince remnants go.

If previously Chu Chengyun had some reservations, this time with Empress Meng first poisoned then giving premature birth would probably awaken this monarch.

Ye Ping Rong, a military man, didn't understand many court matters, but he understood how to protect family.

As a man, standing tall and upright, he supported the heaven and earth of his home, serving as the pillar for wife and children.

Chu Chengyun was Emperor, bearing an even heavier burden. He had to support the entire realm. Ultimately, Chu Chengyun sat on the dragon throne, so he had to make decisions.

At this moment, Chu Chengyun said: "I know there are many in this world who hope for my family to be torn apart."

At these words, Ye Ping Rong was shocked and wanted to bow, but Chu Chengyun raised his hand to stop him.

Chu Chengyun rubbed between his brows, as if mocking himself: "Ministers want to be imperial in-laws, viewing the Empress as a thorn in their eye. Those beasts hate the Empress and hate me even more. It's just that previously the Empress knew I was soft-hearted, so she didn't mention many things. But I'm not stupid, how could I not know at all?"

Ye Ping Rong knew these were palace secrets. Huaning had long told him what he should and shouldn't hear. Now with Chu Chengyun's words filling his ears, he couldn't cover them, so he could only lower his head without speaking.

Chu Chengyun seemed to be talking to himself: "Hui Niang has protected me until now, yet I couldn't protect her. This is my incompetence."

At these words, Ye Ping Rong finally couldn't keep playing mute: "That was others committing great treasonous acts. Your Majesty is not..."

"Wrong is wrong, nothing that can't be admitted. Moreover, as ruler, as father, as husband, all have shortcomings. I've been wrong too long, it's time to wake up." Saying this, Chu Chengyun stood up, walked before Ye Ping Rong, and said: "The people I had you arrange for Second Young Master, how are the arrangements?"

Ye Ping Rong slightly lowered his head: "Twenty elite troops, all highly skilled with tight lips, secret guards."

Hearing this, Chu Chengyun first looked steadily at Ye Ping Rong, then smiled: "It seems Ping Rong still knows my thoughts."

Ye Ping Rong stood with hand on sword: "This subject dares not."

Chu Chengyun rubbed between his brows again, then took a deep breath: "Have them escort Second Young Master home. After Second Young Master's family is safe, go to Dingzhou." His voice paused slightly, then Chu Chengyun said lightly: "Don't alarm others. Send those people on their way, letting them reunite underground is also my grace."

Ye Ping Rong heard this clearly. It meant disposing of the deposed prince remnants, leaving none. They definitely wouldn't survive this New Year.

In Ye Ping Rong's view, this wasn't surprising. Those people were too bold, wanting to harm someone at Chu Chengyun's heart. Seeking their own death, they couldn't blame others. Precisely because he guessed this, Ye Ping Rong had sent out his most capable subordinates.

But now Ye Ping Rong had only one concern: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince was just born. Should we wait?"

Hearing this, Chu Chengyun's face showed a smile: "Does Ping Rong fear my child can't handle these things?"

Ye Ping Rong nodded, then shook his head.

This response was somewhat direct and bold, but Elder Brother Ye had always been direct before Chu Chengyun, which actually reassured Chu Chengyun.

The new Emperor's eyes looked toward the hall door, knowing that outside there was his child, his wife. He still smiled: "Keeping them alive brings disaster. I don't believe in fate. From now on, I only believe in myself."

Ye Ping Rong understood Chu Chengyun had made up his mind and said no more, just accepting orders and leaving.

Selecting twenty elite troops, issuing secret orders, then Ye Ping Rong led people and goods to Ten Li Pavilion outside the Capital.

This place was mostly where people said farewell when leaving the Capital. The Qi family carriages had been waiting there early. When Ye Ping Rong arrived, Ye Jiao was leading several children flying kites outside the pavilion.

This kite wasn't the one the children had given her on her birthday, but a newly made one.

Ye Jiao couldn't bear to fly the kite the children had given her. It had Xu Bao's writing, Little Shi Tou's drawings, and Ning Bao and Ruyi's little handprints. Ye Jiao treasured it dearly and wouldn't easily take it out.

The kite they were flying now was newly made. Probably hearing they wouldn't bring Little Black home, Xu Bao had specifically gone to look, then returned with a basket of feathers and had Tie Zi make a new one.

This one was made hastily, naturally not as exquisite as the one they had given her, but as long as it could fly in the sky, that was fine.

Ye Jiao wore a hooded cloak, her face buried in the fluffy collar, holding Ruyi bundled like a ball in her arms, smiling as she pointed out the kite in the sky.

Ruyi clapped her hands cheerfully, extremely delighted. Ning Bao also looked up at the sky and suddenly said: "Ning Bao wants to fly fly."

Hearing this, Ye Jiao looked at Ning Bao: "Kites can fly, how can Ning Bao fly?"

Ning Bao still stubbornly looked at the kite, very insistent: "Ning Bao wants to fly fly. It can, I can too."

Ye Jiao didn't know how to explain that people couldn't fly. But Ruyi, hearing this, clapped and chimed in: "Fly fly, big brother fly, Ruyi fly fly too!"

Xu Bao, who had been chasing Tie Zi flying the kite, heard them talking and pattered back, crouching before Ning Bao to correct: "People can't fly."

But Ning Bao said: "Uncle can fly."

Xu Bao thought about it and answered: "Uncle has martial arts, other people don't. I can't."

Ning Bao looked steadily at Xu Bao, then said slowly: "Big brother has lots of meat, Uncle has little meat."

Xu Bao: ......

Hearing this, Ye Jiao finally couldn't help laughing, but forced herself not to laugh out loud, afraid of making Xu Bao unhappy. She just pinched Ning Bao's little chubby bottom: "You have lots of meat too, how can you talk about big brother?"

Ning Bao looked down at his own little belly, even pinched it, feeling it was soft and squishy. Only then did he obediently stop talking, but still stared wide-eyed at the kite.

Just then, Ye Ping Rong arrived with his people.

Hearing Ning Bao say he wanted to fly, Ye Ping Rong naturally had ways to satisfy him. Especially since Ye Ping Rong was certain Ning Bao was a martial arts prodigy, he naturally favored him more and was especially protective.

Ye Ping Rong didn't dismount, just bent down to scoop up Ning Bao from beside Ye Jiao, bounced him in his hands, then stood up on his horse, stepped on the stirrups, and dismounted with Ning Bao in a flip!

This wasn't a difficult move, but this rising and falling really seemed like flying in the air for a moment.

Ning Bao had just mentioned it casually, not expecting it could be realized so quickly. Another child might have been scared to tears, but he wasn't afraid. The little guy was very bold, eyes wide open. When they landed, Ning Bao's face showed a smile.

There weren't many things that could make Ning Bao smile. Making him laugh now also made Ye Ping Rong extremely happy.

"Fly again, fly again!" Ning Bao hugged Ye Ping Rong, saying this while pushing upward with his legs.

But Elder Brother Ye had come with the Emperor's orders and couldn't always play with children. He promised Ning Bao he'd teach him to fly when he returned, then somewhat regretfully handed Ning Bao to Nanny Mo and walked toward Ye Jiao.

Though Ye Ping Rong also brought imperial gifts, this time they didn't need to perform kneeling ceremonies. Elder Brother Ye casually pointed to the people behind him: "These are the ones escorting you home. Don't worry, they're all my trusted men, very reliable."

Qi Yun had expected people like the guards from when they came to the Capital last time. Seeing twenty people now, he was still stunned for a moment.

Unconsciously looking at Ye Ping Rong, Qi Yun said: "With so many people, is there something else?"

Ye Ping Rong was originally someone who couldn't hide things, with a straightforward nature. Qi Yun had always been able to easily get information from him. But this time the matter was of great importance. The less people knew, the better. So Ye Ping Rong said: "Since it concerns His Majesty, brother-in-law shouldn't ask."

But he didn't know Qi Yun already had his own calculations and now felt more certain after hearing this.

Second Young Master Qi looked at these secret guards, feeling somewhat fortunate in his heart.

Fortunately, he hadn't agreed to sell wine and provide ships to those two deposed princes before. Otherwise now, forget Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions, the extra troubles alone could annoy someone to death.

Ye Ping Rong also took Qi Yun and Ye Jiao to see the things he had brought.

It was a plaque covered in red cloth that couldn't be uncovered yet, so they couldn't see what characters were on it, but they could vaguely see they were gold characters.

Last time the gold character plaque was bestowed by Chu Chengyun to the Qi family, bearing the four characters "Noble Conduct and Character." This time they didn't know who it was for.

Ye Ping Rong didn't hide it from them, saying directly: "This is from His Majesty for the Qi elders, saying it's for New Year celebration."

Qi Yun was certain the Emperor hadn't said it like that, but the meaning was probably similar.

Having given Iron Certificates with Cinnabar Inscriptions, giving another plaque was indeed just for celebration.

With things delivered and secret guards arranged properly, Ye Ping Rong didn't stay long. He only finally instructed Qi Yun not to ask those secret guards about other matters, didn't mention anything more, and left after watching them get in the carriages.

After winter set in, the carriage interior was padded with thick cushions and had warming braziers, so it wasn't cold.

Little Shi Tou and Xu Bao wanted to study, sharing one carriage. Ye Jiao and Qi Yun took the twins in another.

Now Ye Jiao sat in the carriage, holding the just-sleeping Ning Bao and rocking, her face showing some curiosity: "Why another plaque?"

Qi Yun held Ruyi upright in his arms, patting the little girl's chubby back to coax her to sleep. Hearing this, he said gently: "Though this plaque can't be eaten or worn, it represents prestige."

Ye Jiao blinked: "Different from the previous one?"

"Different. That was for the Qi family, this is for Father and Mother. This is both prestige we've earned and probably has Third Young Master's contribution. Not conspicuous but useful." Qi Yun's voice paused: "Moreover, the Meng family wants to marry into our family, but our family background isn't as illustrious as the Meng family. Having this can claim strict family traditions, making the marriage easier to arrange."

Though Ye Jiao couldn't fully understand, since Qi Yun said it was good, then it was.

But this plaque was rather large and difficult to carry. Fortunately, Qi Yun had prepared an empty cart early, placed the plaque on it, covered it with blankets outside and tied it securely, which was quite stable.

The guards following felt somewhat helpless. They were supposedly escorting but actually preparing to harvest lives, doing the Emperor's dirty work. Their nature was much colder than ordinary people's. But seeing the Qi family treat imperial gifts this way, they still felt helpless.

When others received an imperial plaque, who didn't make a big fanfare wishing the whole world knew?

Where was there a family like this, putting it on a cart and covering it with blankets, looking exactly like they were incubating a nest of chicken eggs.

Qi Yun didn't care what they thought, just wanting to hide this thing if possible. After all, it was an imperial gift, so there couldn't be no word about it.

This was indeed good news, but if others knew, inevitably people would come find Second Young Master Qi for socializing.

Qi Yun thought hiding it well would save roadside troubles and delays, allowing them to return home early for New Year, which was the right way.

Since the river routes were now unusable and they could only take land routes, the group took a full sixteen days to reach the familiar town.

Originally Qi Yun didn't want to alarm others, just quietly return home for reunion. Who knew that upon entering the town, they heard drumming and beating on the streets, with people shouting about some Lord Qi returning home.

Too many people blocked the road, making it impossible to pass.

Qi Yun slightly raised his eyebrows, had the convoy stop, then looked at the sleeping Ye Jiao without disturbing her. He got out of the carriage himself to see what was happening.

But as soon as he got out, Qi Yun realized these people were shouting about Lord Qi but not addressing him. Instead, they swarmed around another carriage.

Unlike Qi Yun's low profile, that side had quite a spectacle, with red decorations and banners, the carriage twice as large, very ostentatious.

The people surrounding them looked somewhat familiar, some unfamiliar, mostly merchants from the town.

Just didn't know who this Lord Qi was.

Tie Zi followed behind Qi Yun, looking from afar. Sharp-eyed, he glanced briefly and said strangely: "Isn't that... the master's Seventh Great-Uncle?"